Rawalpindi (faisal): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) added 4 players including all-rounder Aamir Jamal, rookie pacer Ali Shabbir, batter Mohammad Tayyab Arif and pace bowler Saqib Khan in Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Tayyab, Ali and Saqib have received maiden Pakistan call-ups. They also featured in the Patron’s XI v Sri Lanka practice match at the Islamabad Club from 4-6 November. Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released from the Test squad.
Aamir, who has played nine Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is for Pakistan, was recently player of the final in President’s Trophy Grade-I, where his bowling figures of seven for 32 and 55 with the bat turned the tables in favour of eventual winners Markhor IT Solutions. He also led Lahore Whites in the opening round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold and snapped three wickets while scoring 74 and 23.
Right-hand batter Tayyab also impressed in the Departmental first-class tournament where he led Kingsmen Academy and scored 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09 including three centuries in his maiden season. 19-year-old fast bowler Ali has played eight first-class matches and taken 22 wickets. He also picked up three wickets against Sri Lanka.
Saqib played an instrumental role in Karachi Blues’ title run in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 by taking 47 wickets in nine matches at an average of 20.60 with a best of seven for 34. The first Test match will begin on Monday, 9 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan Test squad (16): Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan and Saud Shakeel.
